The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has an extensive permanent collection of more than 20,000 works that reflects three main areas: our extensive Asian art holdings include the most comprehensive collection of Japanese art in Canada; our historical collections feature Canadian and international works; and our contemporary art collection features national and international artists, with a particular commitment to Canadian artists and those from BC and the local regions. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria prides itself on presenting a diverse assortment of exhibitions including showcases of our own Canadian, historical and world-class Asian collection, as well as creating, commissioning and hosting important contemporary exhibitions.
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is home to one of Canada’s most important Asian art collections, second only to the Royal Ontario Museum. The collection of amber and ivory carvings is one of the largest and most exquisite in North America. The Gallery’s collection has grown under the careful watch of internationally recognized Asian Curator, Barry Till. Several impressive objects d’art are on permanent exhibition including a grand Chinese Bell, cast in 1641 during the Ming dynasty that was presented to the City of Victoria in 1903. A popular attraction, it hung in Beacon Hill Park until 1989, when it came to the Art Gallery to ensure its long-time preservation. The Gallery’s Asian Garden boasts the only authentic Japanese Shinto Shrine in North America. It is a fine example of the architecture of a Meiji period Shinto Shrine, now perfectly situated among bamboo and Japanese maples.
The Art Gallery's work expands beyond the gallery. The Gallery Shop and Art Rental & Sales offices encourage the community to fill your life with art. The Gallery Shop and Art Rental & Sales as well as administrative offices on the 2nd floor. The Gallery Shop features handmade pottery, jewelry, scarves and other beautiful crafts by local artisans. Through Art Rental & Sales, individuals or businesses can purchase art or rent it for a low monthly fee. This program represents and financially supports artists in the community, while helping to raise funds for the Gallery. The Mansion can also be rented for meetings, weddings or special occasions. The most recent painting of the mansion was done in the summer of 2016 to reflect the colours used around 1900.
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